Peter O’Toole – Happy 77th Birthday!

Peter O'Toole as T.E. Lawrence in Lawrence of Arabia

Peter Seamus O’Toole (born 2 August 1932) is an actor of stage and screen who achieved stardom in 1962 playing T. E. Lawrence in Lawrence ofArabia. He went on to become a highly-honored film and stage actor. He has been nominated for eight Academy Awards, and holds the record for most competitive Academy Award acting nominations without a win. He has won four Golden Globes, a BAFTA, an Emmy, and was the recipient of an Honorary Academy Award in 2003 for his body of work.

Oscar Nominations:

1962- Lawrence of Arabia

1964 – Becket

1968- Lion in Winter

1969- Goodbye, Mr. Chips

1972- The Ruling Class

1980- The Stunt Man

1982- My Favorite Year

2006- Venus

I first saw Lawrence of Arabia in Jr. High. I was mesmerized by Peter O’Toole and by T.E Lawrence’s story.The lyrical music, the vastness of the desert and the blue of Peter O’Toole’s eyes. I still feel Lawrence is the best primer for understanding the culture and politics of the Middle East.

Of interest to my children, Alain Delon was considered for a role in this movie, but as so often happens he couldn’t commit to the movie. However, here’s a picture of Mr. Delon anyway because it’s been a while since I’ve posted a picture of him! Want to know more about Alain Delon? Find more at – http://samourai.wordpress.com